A historic furniture showroom in Furzedown is closing its doors after 120 years of trading.

The E & A Wates premesis has been sold to the founders of Jack Wills for residential development.

The company aims to return the two original villas to residential living again, creating loft-style apartments.

E & A Wates will be closing its doors for the final time on Friday 14th May.

The furniture showroom is planning to sell everything in store - including shop fixtures, machinery, letterings and of course stock.

Roger Wates, manager of E & A Wates, said: "We have received hundreds of messages of support and thanks for the work we have done, the furniture we have supplied over the decades, the part we have played in people's lives and the contribution we have tried to make to the community.

"These are deeply appreciated and have helped hugely in softening the blow of the painful closure of our historic business."

The firm's comprehensive archive as 'a three-store furniture retailer, furniture restorer, interior design practice and removal company' has been donated to the London Metropolitan University,

"Every customer charge book, receipt, suppliers invoice, accounting, and advertising record together with hundreds of photographs have been packed up and taken away to be preserved, made accessible to the public and to support the University's teaching and research," Roger said.

The showroom is now open seven days a week until it closes.

Reacting to the closure of E & A Wates, local resident Sam Szczepansk said: "Truly the end of an era.

"I wish Roger and his team only the best and can barely imagine how tough the last twelve months have been.

"I for one will miss E&A Wates' exemplary customer service, inspiring window displays and first-rate restoration skills."

Melody Madge said: "So sad that this wonderful shop is closing down."

E & A Wates furniture showroom was first established in 1900.

Monday - Saturday: 9.30am-5.30pm